Aid for firms is on the cards.

GIANT seaside postcards are being sent to a town centre to start a campaign to help businesses.

The postcards, a feature of the Picture Yourself in South Shields campaign, will go up in King Street, South Shields, on June 27 ahead of a weeklong series of events.

Under the plan, South Tyneside Council, firms and tourist attractions have got together to try to boost the economy by encouraging more visitors to South Shields.

Town centre shoppers will get a chance to be photographed popping their heads through holes in the cards.

Tourism officers will be handing out new voucher booklets with special offers and discount deals.

Geoff Ford, chairman of South Tyneside Enterprise Partnership, said: "South Tyneside is the only borough in Tyne and Wear to have its own Business Week. When the planning group got together, we thought about what type of programme would be relevant and would support businesses during the economic downturn.

"We found there was lots we could do." Highlights of the week include an appearance from record-breaking yachtswoman Dame Ellen MacArthur. She will be guest speaker at an Environmental Business Evening at the Customs House on June 29.

Coun Michael Clare, the council's lead member for jobs, enterprise and regeneration, said: "These are testing times for businesses, so it is more important than ever that we support them.''